Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machine for Under $1,000

I love, love, LOVE a good super-automatic espresso machine. One of the reasons for purchasing an espresso machine is convenience —the ability to have your favorite coffee and espressos from the comfort of your own home. But this comfort isn’t going to seem too…well…comfortable if you have to fiddle with a bunch of knobs, put in a lot of grunt work, or purchase an espresso machine that doesn’t perform properly.With super-automatic espresso machines, all the work is done for you.

One of the positives is that you can get any type of drink you want with a simple touch of a button. And although some may feel the term super-automatic is synonymous with super expensive when it comes to espresso machines, there are plenty of affordable models you can purchase —some that are less than $1,000!Take a look at our top three models below.

Top Options Under 1000 Reviewed

The Gaggia Anima is a small and mighty machinethat is a perfect starter machine for those looking to get into the super-automatic espresso machine game without breaking the bank. The Anima comes equipped with a manual frother for milk-based drinks, programmable options and a built-in ceramic burr grinder for maximum freshness. One thing that really makes this machine stand outis its automatic descaling cycle. This formidable feature increases the longevity of the machineand makes maintenance a breeze. The cycle runs at set intervals depending on the hardness of the water and the machine will alert you via an LCD display when additional maintenance is required

Other Things We Love

The Anima uses a ceramic grinder, which is the best choice when picking a grinder that will lock in flavor and keep beans fresh.

The Optiaroma system allows you to choose between 6.5-11.5 grams of coffee, as well as five different strength settings.

Both the drip tray and brew group are removable, which makes them easier to clean.

Comes with a two-year warranty.

Drawbacks

Be careful you don’t disturb anyone when you choose to brew. This machine can be LOUD!

This small-yet-mighty machine is GREAT whether you run a coffee shop or want to become your own personal barista. A balance of hands-on opportunities and automated functions make this a fun machine to use.Moreover, this comes equipped with plenty of features to ensure you get an amazing performance from the machine and that it will last for years to come.The Barista Express includes a purge function, which automatically adjusts water temperature after steaming. This enhances flavor and prevents coffee grounds from burning. And like the Gaggia Anima, the Barista Express uses a conical grinder, which keeps things fresh.

Other Things We Love

A removable water tank with handlemakes cleaning and refilling a cinch

Save even MORE money! This machines saves energy by automatically going into a standby mode after one hour and turns off after three hours

An integrated grinding system speeds up grinding timeand also allows you to tweak your espresso to fit your specific taste

An Amazing Toolkit: This machine comes equipped with a tamper, pitcher ANDeverything you need for easy cleanup

Enjoy rich, Italian espresso at the touch of a button. This model from Gaggia clearly has convenience in mind thanks to a variety of maintenance features and programmable options. The machine comes with a UV-proof 8.8 ounce hopperkeeps allows you to safely store coffee beans. But my favorite thing HAS to be the self-rinse cycle. After each use, this system isautomatically activated. The self-rinse cycle decreases labor and maintenancetime and increase longevity

Other Things We Love

A ceramic grinderlocks in flavor and freshness, so you get consistent quality espresso shots after several extractions.

A bypass doser allows you to skip the grinding process, so you can brew with both whole beans and pre-ground coffee.

A variety of programmable options allow you to customize the aromatic profile of your coffee.

Coffee is HOT, but I prefer mine a bit hotter than what the Brera delivers.

Foam can be inconsistent. At times I got perfectly fluffy and creamy foam, but other times it came out lighter than I would have preferred. I enjoy my cappuccinos dry, so this inconsistency was one of the things that gave this machine a lower place on our list.

The water reservoir is not removable.

Top Choice Under $100

The Gaggia Anima is my top pick because —although the other two models come very close —it simply outperforms the other machines overall.A couple things that really put the Anima over the edge are the Optiaroma system and the automatic descaling cycle. Both of these features ensure you’ll get the BEST, most customized coffee, and that you can keep brewing that coffee for years to come. Scale is a major cause of espresso machine malfunction, so having a descaling system already built into the machine in AWESOME. And a two-year warranty protects you in case anything should go awry with the machine.With all of that, it’s easy to see why the Anima reigns supreme!